Executive Summary
With Vivi, one NYC school unlocked modern mobility, digital signage, and teacher empowerment—without breaking the budget.
The Challenge
New York City public schools are responsible for their own tech investments—meaning every dollar counts. At PS 54 Q, classrooms were filled with aging smart boards and outdated displays. The team needed nearly 200 devices to serve their 460+ students, all while staying within tight budget constraints and navigating shifting policies about what hardware was allowed.
Teachers were tethered to the front of the room, mobility was limited, and the cost of replacing every board with a new IFP was simply out of reach.
The Solution
While searching for a simple digital signage solution for the school’s front lobby, Gavin Rogers and his team discovered Vivi. What started as a hunt for a “message of the week” tool turned into a complete classroom tech strategy.
“Our Vivi representative came on and just exploded our minds with what Vivi actually could do.”
– Gavin Rogers, Assistant Principal
In just 10 minutes, the leadership team saw how Vivi could solve multiple problems at once: screen sharing, signage, teacher mobility, device compatibility—and all without costly new infrastructure.
The Impact
Massive Cost Savings
- Outfitted every classroom for under $3,000 total—less than the cost of a single interactive flat panel.
- Extended the life of aging hardware by using Vivi to enhance it rather than replace it.
Teacher Empowerment & Easy Adoption
- Teachers quickly embraced the tool, gaining the ability to move freely around the classroom.
- Vivi’s simplicity helped hesitant users build tech confidence, paving the way for broader innovation.
Consistency Across Devices
- Vivi worked across every display type—BrightLink, smart board, IFP, projector—cutting down on training time and complexity.
- One interface, one approach, fewer headaches.
Set-and-Forget Digital Signage
- The team now uses Vivi to power digital signage throughout the school, keeping families informed and freeing up staff time.
Scalable Strategy
- Dual Vivi setups now run in co-teaching classrooms.
- Leadership uses Vivi Central to monitor adoption and guide coaching efforts.
Why It Works
PS 54 Q didn’t just install new tech—they created a new mindset. By investing in a flexible, future-proof platform that plays well with existing devices, they unlocked a scalable approach to classroom innovation that meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.
“We’re basically creating an IFP… with a Vivi and an iPad. And they’re walking around with it.”
– Gavin Rogers
Advice from Gavin
“Roll it out all at once. Train together, install together, follow up early—and you’re golden.”
Vivi In Action: A Shoutout to PS 54 Q
Big thanks to Gavin Rogers and the team at PS 54 Q for showing how creativity, practicality, and a little blue box can transform an entire school. By thinking beyond the board, they gave their teachers freedom, their students engagement, and their budget some breathing room.
